Older Guy

Since 2000, I have been looking for physical challenges. I started to train for and run half marathons and 15 km runs each year. A couple years ago I completed my first Seattle to Portland 205+mile bicycle ride. This year (2015) because of circumstances I did the Seattle to Portland without the benefit of riding with friends or family.

Two years ago, while on vacation in Portugal, while visiting the City of Porto, my wife and I decided to catch a bus to see Santiago. It was fun, but what was amazing was the pilgrims and the pilgrim spirit in the City. On the bus back from Santiago there were lots of pilgrims and they just could not contain themselves from talking about how wonderful the experience was.

This summer while in France on vacation, my wife and I detoured and visited Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. Again, I was struck by the spirit of the town and the people in it.

Ever since visiting Porto, the idea of the Camino had enticed me. After the St. Jean PdP visit and independently completing a 205 mile bike ride in 2 days, I gained the confidence to serious plan for my Camino. I choose late April to May 20 as being after Easter and before the big rush. Still, I wanted enough people so that facilities would be open and I would not be totally traveling out of sight of other people.

I view this as both a slight physical challenge, but mostly as a spiritual challenge and opportunity.